The Civil Service works with the government to formulate policies and deliver services. A Civil Service administrative assistant/officer is responsible for effectively providing these services and ensuring information is processed efficiently.
They are employed by and work on behalf of the government. There are numerous opportunities available, including jobs in consumer research and advice, finance, procurement and human resources (HR).
Administrative assistants/officers are involved in the wide variety of administrative tasks that help the Civil Service to run smoothly. The role can vary from department to department but may include:
A Civil Service administrative assistant/officer usually works 36 or 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday, and has around 25 days holiday a year.
The Civil Service has a flexitime working system in place. This allows staff to start early or finish late and build up holiday time. Some staff may be required to work shifts or overtime.
Part-time and job sharing posts are available (around 13 per cent of staff are part time). This includes term-time only roles. Most jobs are filled on a permanent basis. Weekend work is rarely required and would be classed as overtime.
This is an office-based role. The dress code can vary, but tends to be smart or smart-casual.
Civil Service administrative assistants/officers may start on around £15,000 a year. The Civil Service also offers a benefits package to its employees. This includes a pension scheme and, depending on where employees work, there may be sports and social facilities available or a subsidised canteen. Those based in London are paid at a higher rate.
Today's Civil Service is an increasingly streamlined, multi-million pound business. 500,000 people in about 170 different departments and agencies influence every aspect of life in Britain, aiming to deliver first-class services to the public. There are opportunities across all departments and agencies. Some have a higher staff turnover than others.
All jobs have a nationality requirement and are open to British nationals. Around 75 per cent of jobs are also open to Commonwealth citizens, nationals of the European Union and European Economic Area nationals.
Jobs are advertised in the local and national press, Connexions centres, Jobcentre Plus offices and on the Civil Service Recruitment site at www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civil-service/. The Civil Service does not accept speculative CVs.
Opportunities exist for school leavers. Each department or agency specifies its own entry requirements. There is a large emphasis placed on candidates to show competence in key areas such as teamwork, organisation and communication. Following the completion of a competency-based application form, successful candidates will be invited to a panel interview or assessment centre. Tests will vary but may include numerical and verbal reasoning.
Overall, applicants are expected to have at least five GCSE's/S grades (A-C/1-3), or equivalent, including English. However, many candidates have two or more A levels/H grades, or equivalent, or a degree.
The Civil Service is committed to training. This is likely to be a mixture of on-the-job training, distance learning and short courses. In some posts there may be the opportunity to study for nationally recognised qualifications.
Staff are encouraged to identify their own personal training requirements as part of an appraisal and development programme.
Laboratory technicians carry out routine laboratory tests and perform a variety of technical support functions to help scientists, technologists and others with their work. They can work in research and development, scientific analysis and testing, education and manufacturing.
They are employed in a wide range of scientific fields which affect almost every aspect of our lives.
________________________________________________________________________________
A Civil Service administrative assistant/officer needs:
There is a structured promotion system based on merit. Depending on the opportunities available, administrative assistants/officers may be able to move into junior management positions and other specialist posts, such as finance, IT and HR.
It is also possible to apply for positions in other Civil Service departments.
Civil Service Recruitment
Website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/civil-service
Website of the UK government
(with links to Civil Service departments)
Website: www.direct.gov.uk
Additional resources for job seekers and those already in a job.
Advice on dealing with student debt
A guide to preparing the perfect CV
How to Write a Job Application Letter
Get Help with Workplace Bullying
How to Balance Self-Care with Your Remote Side Job
How to enjoy being at the office
How to Write a Job Application Letter
How to Set Yourself Up for a Successful Remote Work Career
The 7 Best Tips for First-Time Job Seekers
The Key to Successful Job Interviews
Titanic - Lifelong lessons it taught us all!
Remote Job Interviews: How to Find Your Dream Job
Use the Internet to further your career
Some Great Job Opportunities for Young Adults